Innovative and flexible education models boost inward investment
One of Ireland's biggest assets in drawing companies to locate here is our wealth of highly skilled talent. According to IDA Ireland, our highly educated population in particular supports employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors. Recent statistics reveal that 62.3 per cent of Irish people aged 23-34 have completed third-level education, while Ireland also has the highest level of STEM graduates per capita in EU among 20 to 29-year-olds.
'Ireland's highly skilled and adaptable workforce is well recognised as one of our strongest assets in attracting and retaining foreign direct investment,' said David Corscadden, communications manager for MicroCreds. 'In a global economy facing uncertainty and rapid technological change, the ability to respond quickly to evolving skills needs is more important than ever. This is where higher education, and in particular micro-credentials, play a crucial role in ensuring Ireland remains a top destination for international companies to come and prosper.
'Micro-credentials are short, flexible, and university accredited learning opportunities designed to build specific, job-relevant skills in learners. Delivered by leading Irish universities and developed in collaboration with enterprise and industry stakeholders, they are a practical tool to address immediate and emerging skills gaps. For FDI companies looking to invest in Ireland, the availability of a workforce that can upskill and reskill quickly is a key advantage.'
Dr Kevin Marshall is the head of education at Microsoft Ireland and the new chairman of the government's National Skills Council. He was also a member of the MicroCreds Enterprise Advisory Group, which pinpointed what courses were needed.
'Micro-credentials include short courses in emerging areas that a business might need,' Marshall told the Business Post when MicroCreds was launched. 'From an employee perspective they don't have to commit to a year-long or an 18-month diploma or degree, but they can gain particular skills quickly and flexibly.
Ireland's highly skilled and adaptable workforce is well recognised as one of our strongest assets in attracting and retaining foreign direct investment
'The advisory group aimed to inform the government on what skills were needed by enterprise. For instance, my speciality would be technology. We also provided guidance on how you can build awareness of micro-credentials within your own company and at a national level.
'We work closely with industry stakeholders, including Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, to identify the transversal and technical skills that are most in demand by businesses of all sizes in Ireland,' continued Corscadden. 'As new companies set up operations in Ireland, they need confidence that the talent pipeline can respond to both sector-specific needs and broader trends, such as automation, AI integration, or green innovation. Micro-credentials enable us to support workers in developing these in-demand skills while continuing in their role and helping their organisation to prepare for future challenges.
'The government's endorsement of lifelong learning and upskilling, particularly through the HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy, has made this form of learning more accessible to individuals and employers alike. It sends a strong message to FDI clients: Ireland is not only investing in infrastructure but also in the skills and capabilities of its people.'
This sentiment is shared by Skillnet Ireland.
'As Irish companies navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global business environment, having a highly skilled workforce is crucial for leveraging the economic opportunities presented by hi-tech innovation, digitalisation, and the green transition,' said Tracey Donnery, director of policy at Skillnet Ireland in its latest publication, Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025.
'People are key to the future success of Ireland's economy, business competitiveness and capacity to secure international investment.
'Supporting a strong, digitally resilient and sustainable talent pipeline is a key priority for Skillnet Ireland. Digital transformation, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data analytics, is revolutionising how businesses connect with customers and make decisions. The demand for expertise in these areas, as well as broader digital literacy skills, is growing, and it is essential that we rise to meet this challenge.
'Equally important is the integration of sustainability into business practices, with increasing demands for skilled workers in green technologies, the circular economy and other sustainable areas. Working together with enterprise, Skillnet Ireland designs supports for businesses to adapt to the changing demands of digitalisation and sustainability challenges.'
The expansion of Ireland's apprenticeship programmes also helps ensure our talent pool remains strong. A key focus for IDA Ireland is the operation of apprenticeships in disciplines most relevant to supported FDI high technology sectors such as ICT, medical devices, engineering, biopharmaceuticals and international financial services.
Once mainly confined to construction-style roles such as electrical, scaffolding, carpentry and joinery, there are now 77 apprenticeships available, with over 27,000 apprentices and almost 9,000 employers engaged in the scheme.
The current uncertainty surrounding FDI depends on many external factors; however, by continuing to invest in and develop our workforce can only have a positive effect for every company.
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